Insinuations and allegations that the attacks and killings
are happening because President Buhari is Fulani are both unkind and incorrect.
These attacks long predated the Buhari Government. In 2013 no fewer than nine
cases of herdsmen attacks were recorded in Benue State alone, with more than
190 people killed. In 2014 there were no fewer than 16 recorded attacks, in
Benue, which claimed more than 230 victims. Between January and May 2015, six
attacks left more than 300 people dead, again in Benue State alone: See here
and here for examples.
This historical context is important for a proper
understanding of the issue, and to avoid unnecessarily politicizing what should
be regarded and dealt with as acts of criminality. These attacks have been a
longstanding issue, and successive governments have struggled to contain the
situation.
The Buhari Administration is more than fully committed to
bringing the cycle of violence to an end, prosecuting the attackers, and
preventing further killings and attacks. The security agencies have standing
instructions to arrest and prosecute any and all persons found with illegal
arms.
Federal Interventions
The recent killings in Benue and Taraba States have elicited
the following Federal responses:
1. President Buhari has met with the Governor of Benue State
on the matter, to assure him of the Federal Government’s commitment to
protecting farmers and communities.
2. President Buhari has directed the Inspector General of
Police to relocate to Benue State.
3. On Monday January 8, 2018, the Minister of Interior,
Abdulrahman Dambazau, convened a security meeting on the issue, bringing
together Federal and State government officials: Minister of Agriculture and
Rural Development, Heads of security agencies, and the Governors of the most
affected States: Adamawa, Benue, Kaduna, Nasarawa, and Taraba.
4. On Wednesday January 10, 2018, the IG held a Stakeholders
engagement with the Benue State Government, elders, community, religious and
traditional leaders etc
5. Since the first week of January, immediately following
the January 1 attacks, the Inspector General of Police has deployed the
following to the affected areas:
· Ten (10) Units of PMF
· Police Special Forces
· Counter Terrorism Units
· Conventional Policemen.
· Police Explosive Ordinance Department (EOD)
· Special Police Joint Intelligence and Investigation Teams
· Police Aerial Surveillance Teams (Police Helicopters)
· Police Special Forces
· Counter Terrorism Units
· Conventional Policemen.
· Police Explosive Ordinance Department (EOD)
· Special Police Joint Intelligence and Investigation Teams
· Police Aerial Surveillance Teams (Police Helicopters)
6. The Nigerian Army has deployed Special Forces to Benue,
Taraba, and Nasarawa States.
7. In Benue State, eight (8) suspected herdsmen are in
Police custody over the recent killings, and are currently being prosecuted.
8. The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development
is working to establish cattle colonies across the country, in 2018. These
colonies will provide grass and water for the cattle, and education and
healthcare facilities for herders. They will also have Agro-Rangers deployed to
secure the facilities.
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